How to Style an Ugly Christmas Sweater to Make It Cute
Ugly Christmas sweaters may have started as a joke, but over the years, they’ve become a holiday staple and now, it’s all about making them look cute!
Whether you’re wearing one to a holiday party or just because, with the right styling, you can elevate your sweater from quirky to charming.
Here’s everything you need to know to make that Christmas sweater shine in a cute, stylish way.
Don’t forget the gift giving
Also as it is the season of giving I’ve put together a few specific gift guides to check out…
And don’t forget everything else
Whilst you’re at it do check out…
With that said, Let’s get into styling that ugly jumper of yours!
Start with the Right Fit
Baggy Christmas jumper inspo - Image Source Pinterest
Cropped Christmas jumper inspo - Image Source Pinterest
My fitted/cropped Christmas Sweater recommendations;
This with the oversize sleeves but cropped sweater - Shop USA | Shop UK
This snowflake fitted Christmas Sweater - Shop USA | Shop UK
A lot of ugly Christmas sweaters are oversized, and while oversized can be cozy, it doesn’t always give off a chic vibe. So just pick something that suits your own personal style.
If you like a loose fit: Tuck it into high-waisted jeans or a cute skirt. This gives you shape while keeping things comfy and casual.
If it’s too big: Consider using a belt to cinch the waist. A simple waist belt over a baggy sweater creates an instant hourglass look, making the outfit look put together.
If it’s fitted: Layer with a collared shirt underneath or add a cute vest over it for a preppy, stylish vibe.
Top tip: Don’t be afraid to try the sweater on with a few different outfits before deciding on a final look. Sometimes, pairing it with the right pants or skirt can completely transform it!
Pair It with the Right Bottoms
The bottom half of your outfit is just as important as the sweater itself.
Jeans: High-waisted jeans are a classic pairing, but try to match the vibe of your sweater. A bold, colorful sweater pairs nicely with dark or black skinny jeans for balance, while a more muted sweater looks cute with patterned or colorful jeans.
Christmas jumper with jeans inspo - Image Source Pinterest
Recreate the above look;
Skirts: Go for a mini skirt if you want to add a playful edge.
Tuck your sweater in slightly or leave it untucked for a more relaxed vibe. Leather or velvet skirts can add texture and make your outfit feel a bit more “dressed up.”
Recreate the above look;
Leggings: Comfortable and cute, leggings can look great under a chunkier sweater, especially if you go with patterned or leather-look leggings to give your outfit a little more visual interest.
Top tip: Avoid matching bold prints in your sweater with loud pants. Keep one half of the outfit simple so that the sweater can be the main focus.
Accessorize with a Touch of Sparkle
Accessories are key when it comes to transforming your ugly Christmas sweater into something stylish and cute.
Christmas jumper with sparkly skirt inspo - Image Source Pinterest
Recreate the above look;
Jewelry: Add statement earrings or a chunky necklace for a festive touch. Gold and silver both work well with the holiday vibe, and a bit of sparkle can take your outfit from casual to party-ready.
Belts: A belt with a holiday pattern or metallic finish can break up the look and add some structure.
Try a wide belt if your sweater is oversized, or go for a thin, glittery belt to add a little sparkle without overpowering the sweater.
Socks and tights: If you’re pairing your sweater with a skirt, go for patterned or sparkly tights.
Thigh-high socks over tights also add a cute, layered look that’s cozy and playful.
Layer with Style
Christmas jumper with coat inspo - Image Source Pinterest
Layers add both warmth and style, helping you to balance out the sweater’s boldness.
Blazer: Add a fitted blazer for a polished look. Blazers create a sophisticated contrast with the sweater’s holiday theme, making it look chic rather than silly.
Button-down shirt: Layer a collared shirt underneath, letting the collar peek out at the top. This classic trick gives your outfit a put-together, preppy feel and works especially well if your sweater has a looser fit.
Leather jacket: If you’re going for a bit of an edge, throw a leather jacket over your sweater. It’s a trendy way to add some contrast to the softness of your sweater, and the combination makes for an unexpectedly cute pairing.
Top tip: When layering, aim for complementary colors and fabrics. Plaids and flannels work well under Christmas sweaters, while metallics or velvets look nice over them.
Choose Shoes That Compliment
Shoes can make or break an outfit, especially with a statement piece like an ugly Christmas sweater.
Christmas jumper with tights inspo - Image Source Pinterest
Boots: Ankle boots add a bit of height and look adorable with jeans, leggings, or skirts. For a bit more drama, knee-high or over-the-knee boots give your look a fun wintery vibe, especially with skirts or dresses.
Sneakers: If you’re going for comfort, a pair of crisp white sneakers keeps the outfit casual and works especially well if you’re pairing the sweater with jeans.
Heels: To dress it up, try heels. This adds an elegant twist to your outfit and keeps it from feeling too casual.
Top tip: Try to match your shoe color to something in your outfit. Neutral tones work best if your sweater is colorful, while colored shoes can be a fun pop if you’re sticking to a simpler color scheme.
Add a Cute Christmas Hat or Headband
Accessorizing with a holiday-themed hat or headband can add a festive touch while still keeping it cute.
Santa hats: Go with a classic Santa hat for a traditional look that shows off your holiday spirit.
Festive headbands: Reindeer antlers, Christmas tree toppers, or sparkly snowflakes can be a fun addition that keeps the look playful.
Beanies: If you want a low-key look, a cozy beanie keeps things cute and comfy without overdoing it.
Think About Color Coordination
Christmas jumper with skirt inspo - Image Source Pinterest
When styling an ugly Christmas sweater, color coordination is key to keeping it cute instead of chaotic.
Monochrome look: Try matching the rest of your outfit to one main color in your sweater. If your sweater is red and green, for example, pair it with black or green pants.
Complementary colors: Choose colors that complement your sweater but don’t match exactly. Dark green pants and a red sweater can look festive without being too over-the-top.
Top tip: Add in neutrals like white, gray, or black to help balance the colors if your sweater is very bright or heavily patterned.
Makeup and Hair for the Full Effect
Your makeup and hair can help complete the cute, put-together look for your sweater.
Red lips: A classic red lip gives a hint of holiday glamour and complements most Christmas sweater colors.
Natural look: Keep it soft with neutral eyeshadows and a bit of blush. Since your sweater is already a statement piece, a natural look keeps things balanced.
Loose waves or bun: Soft waves or a simple bun keep things looking chic without being too fussy. If you’re feeling adventurous, a fun updo with holiday accessories can look cute.
For more ideas I recommend this article.
Dress in style
Don’t forget to check out my other Christmas style guides once you’re done here;
Final Thoughts
Making an ugly Christmas sweater look cute is all about balance and personal style.
By pairing it with complementary pieces, adding the right accessories, and thinking through color coordination, you can create a festive look that’s both stylish and comfortable.
Let me know if you try any of these tips! Do you have any go-to ways of styling your holiday sweaters? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your ideas!
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